Timm Richardson was one of five children in a working class Irish American Catholic family. He graduated from Lumen Christi in 1970 and later studied math at Michigan State University.

Not as athletic as big brothers Mike and Pat while growing up, Timm always had an eye on performing but did not follow through until after college, when he began performing in community theater productions.

He moved to Los Angeles in 1979 to work as a performer and did so with success.

In 1996, after being diagnosed with AIDS, Richardson moved home to be with his family.

"He figured he had two years, max, before he'd pass," Parisho said.

Shortly after, Richardson reintroduced himself to the Jackson theater scene, and it invigorated him.

"I would definitely say that helped keep him going," Parisho said. "He loved working with kids and sharing his talent with the community."

Friends and former students have sent an outpouring of support to Richardson's family through Facebook messages.

Former Center Stage Jackson executive director Ann Holt, a good friend of Richardson's, said she's never seen such a response, which she feels is a testament to the strong connection Richardson developed with so many.

"There was something he had that many people don't have," Holt said. "He had that generosity of spirit."

Richardson's former students idolized him. Perhaps wishing someone had done so with him, Richardson pushed and prodded when he saw talent.

Alex Soper, 27, met Richardson as a sophomore at Lumen Christi when the latter was a substitute in a non-drama class. Richardson introduced the class to improv. Soper, who had never even thought of getting on stage, participated in a few skits.

"He begged me to come to a practice, but I probably told him 'no' 100 times," Soper said. "Finally, he pulled me out of class one day and said, 'Do you realize I'm not going to leave you alone?'

"I gave in, and I'm so happy I did. I've had some of the best times of my time performing."

Soper and Richardson went on to form the comedy improv troupe The Laugh Company.

"It's one thing to be directed or to be coached," Soper said, "but when your teacher says, 'Let's share a stage together,' that's something I wouldn't trade for the world."

Mike Reed met Richardson when both were in high school. They would eventually co-direct shows and share the stage as actors and musicians. Reed and Richardson, along with Andrew Gorney and Steve Tucker, made up the a capella group, the GelCaps.

"He was a teacher and mentor for many young people, whether they came through Lumen Christi or other theater groups," Reed said. "But another big part of his legacy is all the work he did with the Ryan White Foundation and the work he did speaking on the subject at high schools."

Visitation is scheduled for 3 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 12, at Desnoyer Funeral Home, 204 N. Blackstone St. A rosary service is set for 6:30 p.m.

The funeral is at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 13, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 711 N. Francis St.

RIP to an amazing man & an extremely talented actor, Mr. Timm Richardson. It was a huge honor working with you & learning from you